Rusty-tailed Flycatcher

Very plain, long-tailed cisticola. Even in a group that is known for its drabness, this bird stands out for its lack of bold colors and markings! Found in thick vegetation, usually adjacent a body of water. Song is a complicated duet of which the main elements are a descending series of whistles and a variety of rough, scolding “zhrt” notes. As with all cisticolas, habitat and voice are important cues in identification. Similar to Singing Cisticola, but drabber, lacking rufous on the crown and wing.

Medium-sized songbird with predominantly dark plumage, a very short crest, and crimson bill and legs. Long tail and bill impart an elongated appearance. Head color varies considerably across distribution, ranging from white to dark gray to black. Often travels in large flocks, which move noisily between fruiting trees. Most commonly found in broadleaf evergreen and mixed deciduous forests but also regularly visits gardens and lowland forests. Extremely noisy, with a huge repertoire, emitting various squeaks, meows, chatters, whistles, and more.

Fairly common, but easily overlooked, medium-sized woodcreeper of humid tropical forest; infrequently seen away from ant swarms. Found singly or in small groups, often with Ruddy and Northern Barred Woodcreepers at army ant swarms. Mainly perches upright on slender trunks fairly low to the ground, less often at middle levels; often rather sluggish. Combination of face pattern, contrasting rusty wings, and behavior is distinctive. Usually rather quiet; at times gives plaintive mew calls and a prolonged chipping rattled song.